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Best of the Best 2013: Business Aircraft: Ultralong-Range: Gulfstream G550

The Gulfstream G550 (912.965.3000, www.gulfstream.com) descended from the popular GV series and has been in service since 2003. In 2004, the jet’s development team won the National Aeronautic Association’s prestigious Collier Trophy in recognition of the aircraft’s technological advances and safety upgrades, which include heads-up displays and optional synthetic vision in the flight deck. The cabin stretches nearly 44 feet and, depending on the configuration, can include four distinct working and living areas, three temperature zones, and space for as many as 18 passengers. Gulfstream’s Elite interior package adds wireless handheld devices with touchscreen controls for operating the cabin-management system. The upgrade also allows passengers to operate the cabin system using apps on their mobile devices. The $58.5 million G550 has a normal cruise speed of 528 mph and can fly as far as 7,700 miles nonstop.